Goodwill Industries of Denver celebrated 90 years of self-sufficiency through work at this year’s Power of Work Luncheon on March 13 at the Seawell Ballroom in Denver.

At the event, Goodwill recognized organizations and individuals who have helped at-risk youth and disabled and disadvantaged adults through the power of work.

A few of these outstanding individuals included:

Terri Cossel, one of Goodwill’s most recognized employees for more than 20 years, works in Goodwill’s community programs. Terri assembles products for many local companies, including the well-known Steve Spangler Science program.

She motivates others with her calm and quiet demeanor and an intense focus on her work. While working, Terri only stops long enough to bring her entire team together with a unique whistle she developed many years ago to boost team morale. Terri’s whistle is a favorite with her co-workers because it sounds so unique, and her team enjoys trying to learn how to whistle just like her.

Trisha Maki is living proof that a fulfilling career and family life is within reach, regardless of a difficult history. She won her battle with a methamphetamine addiction that resulted in Trisha's losing custody of her daughters.

Trisha received a fresh start through program partnerships between Adams County and Goodwill, and after eight months of sobriety, she regained custody of her daughters. Trisha continues to pursue fulfillment by working with Goodwill programs, successfully developing a path for the career of her dreams by obtaining certification as an addictions counselor (CAC).

Today, Trisha works as a CAC at Arapahoe House and keeps moving forward in life without looking back, creating a brighter future for herself and her daughters.

Lucretia Lee, a true “superwoman,” is a single mother of five, attends college full time and works part time to support her family. Despite her hectic schedule, you’ll never hear a complaint from Lucretia, as she relishes in the fact that she can study with her two-year-old on her lap.

Lucretia respects education and the opportunities it brings. Prior to entering Adams County and Goodwill’s Career Development programs, Lucretia was temporarily homeless, unemployed, living away from her children and had very low self-esteem. Now she’s enrolled in college and working in the Dean’s office at Front Range Community College. She is also receiving a full scholarship from the Daniels Fund and has publisher interest in a book she’s writing largely based on her own life.

Chris Kram has used the art of theater as a medium for moving past his difficult upbringing. His amazing energy and presence have helped Chris focus on the future, despite his troubled past.

With his strong commitment to using these experiences to give back to others, Chris has devoted more than 200 hours of community service and serves as a strong, positive role model for his younger brothers and sister. Chris also holds a 3.8 grade point average.

Niishia Hysaw has seen her share of rough times. She overcame a challenging living condition, battled a coma-inducing illness at the age of 11 and lost her mother early in life. Once you hear her story of perseverance, you’ll quickly realize there isn’t much this talented teenager can’t overcome.

After being matched with a Goodwill facilitator and mentor, Niishia is now applying to college and participates in many extracurricular activities at North High School. With a gift for public speaking and poetry, Niishia translates her feelings and aspirations into spoken word, using this as a vehicle of inspiration.

Niishia continues to move forward, balancing the challenges of academics, caring for her younger sister and grandmother and moving on toward college. She is a strong, dedicated young woman with limitless potential.

Nayeli Retana was the first in her family from Mexico to be born in the United States. She has done an outstanding job of acclimating herself to American life, cultural differences and the educational process. Her dedication and determination -- matched with Goodwill’s support -- have created a community leadership role for Nayeli, making her one of the most active participants today.
 
Through Goodwill’s network, Nayeli landed an internship at RTD and a leadership position in Goodwill’s Youth Advisory Program, a program put in place to educate other teens about Goodwill. In addition, Nayeli is the secretary for Future Business Leaders of America and dedicated part of her summer break to participate in Goodwill’s boot camp to prepare for college.

Robert Clam, Goodwill mentor, had no idea how his background and career path would be valued by his mentee Othello Nyema. This pair provides a great example of how two people from diverse backgrounds and cultures can benefit from a mentor/mentee relationship.

Along with his mother and father, Othello escaped the fallout of war in Côte d'Ivoire in 2004. He always had dreamed of making a better life in his home country. It was through Robert Clam, an enrollment services counselor at Regis University, that Othello realized a great way to give back to his country. He made the decision to get an education and bring his knowledge back to Africa.

Robert and Othello have created an inspiring friendship that will last a lifetime. Their example reminds Goodwill how the power of people and relationships are the foundation of our organization.

Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), in partnership with Goodwill, has truly proven what both organizations believe in: When citizens with disabilities participate in society, everyone benefits. Not only do earnings from wages give a person better self-esteem, they also replace the need for government subsidies and taxpayer dollars.

Throughout the partnership, DVR has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help Goodwill accomplish its mission. Today, Goodwill participants receive better overall services and convenience. From mental health evaluations, easier access to services provided by the state and an on-site counselor in Adams County, DVR continues to make our work for the Colorado community successful.

Governmental organizations rarely receive appreciation for their tremendous work. Goodwill wants to thank DVR for six decades of support.

State Farm Insurance employees have been volunteering with Goodwill’s youth services program for many years. In 2007 alone, 20 employees contributed more than 100 hours of volunteer time by providing mock interviews, hosting resume workshops and providing career panelists.

State Farm employees from many areas of Denver and Greeley have been strong ambassadors for Goodwill’s youth services, promoting opportunities and recruiting other volunteers throughout their organization. Their volunteers have traveled all over the Denver-metro area to motivate and encourage our youth.

This company is a strong example of how the corporate world can effect change in our community. Goodwill hopes many other businesses will follow the example set by State Farm Insurance.

About Goodwill Industries of Denver
For 90 years, Goodwill Industries of Denver has helped people increase their self-sufficiency through the Power of Work. Donations support programs for 19,000 at-risk youth and disadvantaged and disabled adults in our community each year through skills enhancement, training and education programs aimed at self-sufficiency. For more information, visit www.goodwilldenver.org .